JOHNSTONE residents are calling for a new development at the former Paton’s Mill to respect the history of the site.

Fourth Developments (Johnstone) Ltd aims to create a “showpiece” attraction in place of the dilapidated towers.

If it goes ahead as planned it will deliver a cycleway, woodland areas, retail units, a pub, offices and possibly around 20 new homes.

However, the remains of the former mill buildings, hit by two serious fires in 2010, are set to disappear completely.

Demolition consent was granted last year after full consultation with Historic Environment Scotland, because the list A structure is said to be technically beyond redemption.

However, in honour of the site’s history, Fourth Developments has been asked to consider naming the pub, The Tower Tavern.

The building was at the cutting edge of the industrial revolution when it was built in the late 1700s, including the iconic towers.

Cllr Andy Doig, a candidate for the Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch ward in the upcoming council elections, has written to Fourth Developments about the proposition.

He said: “It is no secret that I was sceptical about the benefits of Fourth Developments’ ideas for the former Paton’s Mill site, but we need to look at the positives and I have been struck by the strong desire from many of my Johnstone constituents to try and preserve some elements of the mill.

“To that end I have written to Fourth Developments proposing that they consider rebuilding a replica of the original Paton’s Mill tower, and calling the gastro pub, the Tower Tavern, as a kind of physical homage to when Paton’s Mill, and Johnstone, was at the cutting edge of the Industrial Revolution which swept Europe and the world from 1750 to 1850.”

Developments that have retained historical links in Renfrewshire include when Ferguslie Mill in Paisley was demolished for new housing about 20 years ago. The exterior of the former Counting House was kept and incorporated into the design of the new housing.

Cllr Doig added: “This is the kind of respectful nod to local sensitivities that I would like Fourth Developments to undertake here. At the top of the recreated tower they could consider some kind of light feature, this would complement the light features at Johnstone town hall and represent the shining light of a new Johnstone which is prepared to face the future without forgetting its past.”

A spokeswoman for Fourth Developments (Johnstone) Ltd said: “We note Doig’s interest. However the plans were supported by Renfrewshire Council and the full planning application was approved back in January 2017 and work is now progressing on that basis.”